Bethlehem Township Urged To Fix Roads

January 11, 1989|by TIM REEVES, The Morning Call

If it is to keep pace with its rapid growth, Bethlehem Township must make an immediate commitment to upgrading its road and storm water systems, a local planner told the township commissioners Monday night.

"We are heading for a disaster if these are not improved immediately," said Ken Mahoski, vice chairman of the Planning Commission.

Mahoski, reading from a prepared statement, said rapid development in the township is pouring more cars onto already overburdened roads. New construction also is increasing storm water runoff, he said, runoff that already is out of control.

"I . . . suggest the commissioners do some homework and recognize the problem facing this township and do something," Mahoski said. "The developers are moving ahead at full speed . . ."

Specifically, Mahoski suggested formation of an ad hoc committee to coordinate improvements to the road and storm water systems.

Mahoski also criticized Francis Sitoski, newly elected chairman of the commissioners, for his recent announcement that a new township library and full development of Municipal Park are his top priorities.

"For the new chairman of the commissioners to now put luxury items such as a library as top priority and not road and storm water improvements is absurd," said Mahoski.

"We are heading for a disaster. These luxury items will come later. We should be in the midst of a major road and storm water construction project to allow the township to grow and meet the increasing population," he said.

Sitoski defended the library as a top priority. He said he is hopeful it can be constructed without using taxpayer money.

"You're not going to be able to get to your library from William Penn Highway or Freemansburg Avenue in three to four years," said Mahoski.

Commissioners have budgeted $154,845 for street construction in 1989, more than double the $65,610 budgeted last year. The street maintenance budget was increased less so, from $258,674 in 1988 to $274,211 this year.

Not enough, said Mahoski.

"What bothers me is that all the flood-prone, congested and dangerous areas indicated in the studies and comprehensive plan have existed since I was a kid in the township. And that's over 20 years ago," he said.

The township's storm sewer construction budget was reduced in 1989, $150,524, down significantly from $230,897 in 1988.